Poland Planning to Ban Online Poker

July 19 - Online gamers in Poland might be excited about a potential new set of legislation that would legalize online casinos, but online poker players are being left out in the cold.

The country plans to regulate online casinos and online gambling, but at the same time plans to ban online poker.

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is not in favour of the legislation, claiming that some key provisions in the draft proposals, including the illogical ban on online poker is against EU law.

The EGBA has asked the Polish government to reexamine the drafted law and to possibly revise the treaty.

The Secretary General of EGBA, Sigrid Ligne said: "We support the Polish government’s intention to join the growing number of countries regulating the online gaming and betting market in the EU. However, the current draft foresees a wide range of obstacles and obligations which will make it highly difficult for EU licensed and regulated operators to apply for a license in Poland. We urge Poland to revise its draft and align it with the requirements of the EU Treaty."

Ligne continued that some of the provision in the drafted legislation seem to be a genuine wish to regulate and enforce rules in the online gaming market, but they are basically duplicating laws that have already been put in place by other jurisdictions.

"EU licensed and regulated companies can fulfill all necessary requirements on fraud prevention and consumer protection without being necessarily established in Poland. This draft law would leave Polish consumers without a fair, secure and competitive online gaming market," he concluded.

Other member states of the EGBA, such as the United Kingdom and Malta are also not pleased with the proposed laws.

The commission has demanded that Poland respond to its requests and it is expected to be dealt with by August 16th.